Director of Student Financial Aid

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

Review of applications will begin immediately

Overview

Chartered in 1895, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive teaching and research institution with a diverse and international total student body of more than 24,000. NIU's main campus, with over 18,000 students, is located just 65 miles west of Chicago. Three extension centers are located in Naperville, Rockford, and Hoffman Estates. NIU consists of seven degree-granting colleges offering 63 undergraduate majors and 78 graduate degree programs, including 11 Ph.D. programs, a doctoral degree in education, and the Juris Doctorate. NIU is a member of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities and the Universities Research Association. This position is designated as security sensitive. In compliance with the Illinois Campus Security Act, before an offer of employment is made, the University will conduct a pre-employment background investigation, which includes a criminal background check. Northern Illinois University is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran. The Constitution and Bylaws of Northern Illinois University afford equal treatment regardless of political views or affiliation, and sexual orientation. NIU recognizes Dual Career issues.

The Position

The Director of Student Financial Aid reports to the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and is responsible for the oversight of the Financial Aid Office including all functions related to the collection, monitoring, and disbursement of student financial aid including governmental and institutional funds, loan processing, data collection, work study employment, and client services. The Director is responsible for developing and executing a departmental vision and strategy for leveraging financial aid resources and meeting student financial needs, while supporting University enrollment goals. The Director of Student Financial Aid will be responsible for working with admissions colleagues and other officers of the institution in overseeing the development and implementation of financial aid strategies necessary for the recruitment of first time, transfer, and graduate students as well as developing financial aid literacy programs and resources for students and their families. The Director of Student Financial Aid oversees an office staff of 23 and is responsible for a financial aid budget of $225 million.

Qualifications

NIU seeks an experienced financial aid professional who will provide strong directional leadership to the Office of Student Financial Aid and who possesses a bachelor's degree (a master's degree is preferred) with at least five years of significant progressive responsibility in the area of student financial aid at an institution of higher education. Strong supervisory and budgetary skills, experience in leading and developing staff, and demonstrated success in leveraging student financial aid to meet strategic enrollment goals are important in the selection of the new Director. A demonstrated a commitment to ethnic, gender and cultural diversity is strongly preferred as well as, a commitment to continuous quality improvement, an understanding of the tactical uses of technology in improving processes, and a desire to develop an exceptional customer service experience.

Application and Nomination

Review of applications will begin February 15, 2012 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply for this position please click on the Apply link below, complete the brief application form, and upload your resume and position-specific cover letter. Nominations for this position may be emailed to Ellen Heffernan at eth@sjgsearch.com. If you are unable to submit materials electronically, please call SJG at 413-529-2895.

Search Lead: Ellen Heffernan, Partner

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Northern Illinois University
www.niu.edu